α-Amylase Inhibitory, Immunomodulatory, Phytotoxic, Antifungal Activities and Phytochemical Screening of Medicago Denticulata

Abstract

Introduction: The plants are an alternative source for the management of a number of human disorders because of diverse metabolites. Aims: Current study targets to probe underexplored therapeutic potentials of Medicago denticulata (M. denticulata) through phytochemical and biological assays. Methods: The dried whole plant (aerial and root parts) was extracted in succession with dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol by simple maceration process and designated with codes MDWD and MDWM respectively. Results: The phytochemical investigation uncovered the occurrence of saponins, terpenoids, tannins, phenols and flavonoids in the extracts. MDWD fraction unveiled the highest total phenolic contents 54.47 μg GAE / mg dry weight (DW), The total reducing potential 58.125 μg AAE / mg DW and total antioxidant capacity 81.71 µg AAE / mg, while MDWM fraction revealed maximum flavonoids content 16.72 μg QE / mg DW. The phytotoxicity of methanol and DCM extracts exhibited 73% and 63% growth regulation respectively at concentration of 1000 µg/mL. Extracts revealed antidiabetic activity through α-amylase inhibition. The maximum inhibition i.e. 116.91% was detected at the concentration of 1000 mg / mL by DCM extract. Conclusion: Dichloromethane and methanolic extracts of M. denticulata are well thought-out as the potential source of antioxidants and could provide immunomodulatory, antifungal, phytotoxic and a-amylase inhibition activities.